IT’S time for all you Little Tigers out there to get a kick out of sport.

Youngsters are being invited to go along to St Helens Karate Club, based at Sutton Leisure Centre, in Marshalls Cross Road, which is launching a new venture, The Little Tigers, for children aged four to eight.

Heading the project is 2nd Dan Nicole Donoghue, who said: “I am really excited to be part of this new venture with St Helens Karate.

“I started karate at the age of nine, and know from my own experience how it can have an tremendous effect on your whole life. It helps you keep physically fit, but it also has so many benefits on other areas of your life.

“We have had many calls from youngsters wanting to join.

“As karate is very focused and disciplined, the aim of the Little Tigers is to give an insight to the world of Shotokan Karate.

“I hope to set up a class that will be fun, work on fitness and most importantly teach the basics of karate.”

Chief instructor Sensei Ian Roberts, told the Star: “With the introduction of The Little Tigers, as a club we can now cater for all ages. We encourage all ages to join in with our club as long as they are physically fit enough to do so.

“ In the past year we have had quite a few adults joining with their children. Some had done it in their youth, some are starting as a new hobby.

“Over the years we have had European champions, world champions and Great Britain team members.”

Nicole has been on the England squad for the past few years.

She made the England team this year at the Grand Slam, won numerous regional and national championships and aims to make the World Championships this year in Liverpool.

Ian added: “Our students don’t have to compete, they can simply learn the martial art. However, if they wish to the opportunity is there for them.”

If you would like to join the club cut out the coupon in today’s paper and take it with you to the class, which starts next Tuesday at 5.45pm.